Shearwaters on Tenerife and the other islands are the subject of a 2024 campaign in which stranded birds will be reported. The rescued birds will be monitored via a microchip to track their recovery.
The island government, Cabildo de Tenerife, is launching the campaign on October 21 to gather data on the Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), particularly young birds that lack sufficient flying experience. The goal is to rescue juvenile shearwaters that become disoriented during their first nocturnal flight and land unsuccessfully, often attracted by the glow of coastal lights.
Conservation
It is essential to coordinate actions with all organizations involved in the campaign to collect Balearic shearwaters. Last year, approximately 3,200 birds were rescued, and this year, all saved birds will be tracked via implanted microchips, making it easier to monitor their recovery.
The Balearic shearwater is a seabird facing serious conservation challenges. Nesting sites are often destroyed, predators are present, plastic pollution plagues the seas, and light pollution disorients the birds. It is this light pollution that causes many juvenile shearwaters, especially during new moon nights, to lose their way to the sea. They land and are unable to take off again on their own.
The Cabildo is calling on the public to participate in the campaign and asking for lights to be dimmed in tourist areas in the north and south of the island.
Do Not Feed
The Atlantic population of the Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis or Calonectris borealis) is listed as vulnerable on the List of Wild Species. This protected species is one of the largest seabirds in Spain and the largest shearwater in Europe. The bird is migratory, although it nests and resides in Tenerife’s coastal areas for most of the year (from February to November).
The Cabildo reminds the public that, if an injured wild animal is found, no water, food, or medicine should be given, and the Wildlife Recovery Center ‘La Tahonilla’, located at km 0.4 on the TF-24 (La Esperanza Road), should be contacted via the phone number 900 282 228.
Following the first session held this week, a volunteer training session will take place on October 10 in Adeje, October 17 in Los Realejos, and October 24 in La Laguna. The campaign to collect Balearic shearwaters, now in its 26th edition, will conclude in mid-November.
welkevogelisdit.nl © Photography
Shearwaters on Tenerife
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